Employment Law
Tribunal claims, settlement agreements and ACAS early conciliation costs explained.
Employment tribunal is free to bring in the UK. Solicitor fees: £2,000–£15,000. Settlement agreement review from £500. Employer defence costs explained.
Settlement agreement solicitor fees UK: £500–£1,000 for employee (often employer-paid). Full breakdown of independent legal advice costs and employer contributions.
The usual route for workplace disputes
Before making most employment tribunal claims you must contact Acas for early conciliation, which is free. Many disputes settle at this stage or through a settlement agreement. Check GOV.UK for the current tribunal rules and any fees before you claim, as time limits are short — often three months less one day from the event.
Who pays for legal advice
A settlement agreement is only binding if the employee has received independent legal advice, and employers commonly pay a contribution towards that advice. For tribunal claims, each side normally pays its own costs regardless of the outcome; some people use legal expenses cover in home insurance, trade union support or no-win-no-fee arrangements.
General information for England and Wales unless stated, not legal advice. Last reviewed 28 October 2026.